THE TEN COMMANDMENTS, OR THE LAW.
13. How has God given His law to us?
1. In the creation God wrote His Law in the heart of man. (Conscience.) Rom. 2:15.
2. At Mount Sinai He gave His Law in the Ten Commandments, written on two tables of stone. Ex. 20:1–17.
14. Does this Law demand outward observance only?
No; it demands the whole man, and the willing obedience of heart and mind.
Luk. 10:27. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind.
15. Can we be saved through the Law?
No; since the fall in sin no man can perfectly keep the Law.
Rom. 8:7. The carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can it be.
16. Of what benefit, then, is the Law?
1. It points out to us our sins and the wrath of God toward sin.
Rom. 3:20. [R. V.] Through the law cometh the knowledge of sin.
2. It makes us anxious to seek Christ.
Gal. 3:24. The law was our schoolmaster to bring us to Christ.
3. It points out to the believer what fruits his faith must bear.
Ps. 119:105. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
17. What is the substance of the law?
Love to God, ourselves, and our neighbor. Matt. 22:37–40.
Rom. 13:10. [R. V.] Love is the fulfilment of the law.
1 Tim. 1:5. [R. V.] But the end of the charge is love out of a pure heart and a good conscience and faith unfeigned.
THE FIRST TABLE OF THE LAW.
18. What is the substance of the first table?
Love of God.
Luk 10:27. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind.
THE FIRST COMMANDMENT.
Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
That is,
We should fear, love, and trust in God above all things.
19. What does the first commandment forbid?
It forbids the worship of strange gods, or idols.
Matt. 4:10. Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
20. What is meant by an idol?
Anything that man worships, fears, loves, and trusts in instead of the one true God.
21. Who practice idolatry openly?
They who worship the created things instead of the Creator, and pray to the sun, the moon, stars, images, angels, or saints.
Rom. 1:25. They changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed forever.
22. Who practice idolatry secretly?
They who turn their love, fear, and trust from the living God, that they may secretly cling to something else than Him.
23. Whom do all idolaters really serve?
They serve the devil who is the father of lies, and the lord of all impenitent and hardened sinners.
1 John 3:8. [R. V.] He that doeth sin is of the devil.
2 Cor. 4:4. [R. V.] The god of this world hath blinded the minds of the unbelieving.
24. What does God require of us in the first commandment?
We should fear, love, and trust in God above all things.
25. Upon what does God then really look?
Upon the attitude of our hearts toward Him.
Prov. 23:26. My son, give me thine heart.
Prov. 4:23. Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
26. When do we fear God?
We fear God when we think so highly of Him, that we are afraid of offending Him by any wrongdoing.
Ps. 33:8. Let all the earth fear the Lord!
27. Of how many kinds is the fear of God?
Of two kinds: slavish fear and child-like fear.
28. What is meant by slavish fear?
When we fear God because we are afraid of punishment.
29. What is meant by child-like fear?
When we love God so dearly that we wish to do nothing that is against His will.
Gen. 39:9. How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?
1 John 4:18. Perfect love casteth out fear.
30. Who fear God in this manner?
God's children only.
Rom. 8:15. [R. V.] Ye received not the spirit of bondage again unto fear; but ye received the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
31. When do we love God?
We love God when He is dearer to us than all else, so that we have no true joy except in Him, and gladly submit to His will in all things.
Ps. 18:1. I will love Thee, O Lord, my strength.
Ps. 73:25, 26. Whom have I in heaven but Thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside Thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever.
32. Can we love God and the world at the same time?
By no means.
Matt. 6:24. No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
1 John. 2:15. Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
33. Why must we love God?
We must love God because of His goodness toward us.
Matt. 19:17. There is none good but one, that is God.
1 John 4:19. We love him, because He first loved us.
34. Whereby is it seen that we love God?
By a holy life.
John 14:21. He that hath my commandments and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me.
35. When do we trust in God above all things?
We trust in God above all things when we have confidence in Him as in a loving father, and when we look to Him for every blessing, and put all our affairs into His hands.
1 Pet. 5:7. Casting all your anxiety upon him, because he careth for you.
Ps. 37:5. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass.
36. Why must we trust in God alone?
Because He is our almighty and faithful Friend.
37. Name some virtues that follow upon true fear, love, and trust in God.
Humility, patience, and self-denial.
1 Pet. 5:5, 6. God resisteth the proud and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.
Job 1:21. The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord!
Matt. 26:39. Not as I will, but as Thou wilt.
THE SECOND COMMANDMENT.
Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain: for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
That is,
We should fear and love God, and not curse, swear, conjure, lie, or deceive by His name, but call upon His name in every time of need, and worship Him with prayer, praise, and thanksgiving.
38. What is meant by the "name" of God?
1. The usual names given to Him in the Bible.
2. His nature and attributes and all that by which He is especially known, such as His Word, sacraments, and works.
39. When is the name of God taken in vain?
When it is used in a thoughtless and mocking manner and without devotion and reverence.
40. How is this done?
1. When we use God's name or Word in jesting or as a by-word.
2. When we find fault with anything God has done.
3. When we use the name of God in cursing, swearing, conjuring, lying, or deceiving.
41. What is it to curse by the name of God?
It is to call down evil upon ourselves, our neighbor, or any other created thing, by the name of God.
42. What is it to swear by the name of God?
It is to bear witness to anything by the holy name of God.
43. Are we never permitted to swear?
Yes; when the proper authorities demand it in God's stead.
44. Why is it a great sin to commit perjury?
Because the perjurer shows open disregard for God and the salvation of his own soul, and frankly calls down the judgment of God upon himself.
45. Are cursing and swearing sinful when the name of God is not used?
Yes, indeed; for whatever we curse or swear by, we really do so by God who is the Lord of all things.
Matt. 5:34–37. Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:
Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.
Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.
But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.
46. Are cursing and swearing sinful when they have become a habit?
Most certainly; for a sinful habit proves that sin is our master.
47. What is it to conjure by the name of God?
It is trying to cure diseases, or to practice any other kind of superstition, by the name of God or a passage from the Bible.
48. How do we lie and deceive by the name of God?
By perjury, false teaching, and hypocrisy.
Matt. 15:9. In vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
Titus 1:16. They profess that they know God; but by their works they deny Him.
49. What must he expect who takes the name of God in vain?
Great punishment, both in time and eternity; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh His name in vain.
50. How do we use the name of God properly?
When we sincerely call upon the name of God in every time of need, and worship Him with prayer, praise, and thanksgiving.
THE THIRD COMMANDMENT.
Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.
That is,
We should fear and love God, and not despise or neglect His Word, but deem it holy and gladly hear and learn it.
51. Which day is the day of rest among Christians?
Sunday, the first day of the week, on which Christ arose from the dead.
52. How should we keep the day of rest holy?
1. We must rest from our daily labor, that the time may be used for our instruction in the fear of the Lord.
2. We must earnestly hear and study the Word of God, both in our homes and in church.
Luke 11:28. Blessed are they that hear the Word of God, and keep it.
James 1:27. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
53. Has the Lord appointed these resting-days to be used only in reading and studying the Word of God?
No; He has appointed such days also for the needed rest of mind and body.
54. How do we misuse the day of rest?
1. When we neglect and despise the Word of God.
Eccl. 5:1. Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God.
2. When we do work or take part in amusements that either are actually sinful or turn our minds away from God.
55. Is no work permitted on Sunday?
Yes; any work of necessity that cannot be delayed, and any loving kindness we may show our neighbor who is in need. Luk. 14:1–6.
THE SECOND TABLE OF THE LAW.
56. What is the substance of the second table?
Love to ourselves and our neighbor.
Matt. 22:39. Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.
57. May we love ourselves?
Yes, for God has made us, but we must beware of selfishness.
58. What should a man care for most of all?
For his soul, the immortal part of himself.
Matt. 16:26. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
59. What does the second table teach us about our relation to our neighbor?
We must feel and act toward him, as we would have him feel and act toward us.
Matt. 7:12. All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.
1 John 3:18. Let us not love in word, neither with the tongue: but in deed and truth.
60. Who is our neighbor?
Every human being is our neighbor. Read Luke 10:29–37.
61. Must we love also our enemies?
Yes; for even our enemy is our neighbor.
Matt. 5:44, 45. Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven.
THE FOURTH COMMANDMENT.
Honor thy father and thy mother, that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.
That is,
We should fear and love God, and not despise or give offense to our parents or superiors; but honor, serve, obey, love, and esteem them.
62. Why must we honor father and mother?
Because God has placed them over us to care for us.
Lev. 19:3. Ye shall fear every man his mother and his father: I am the Lord your God.
63. How are children to show that they honor father and mother?
By respectful, loving, and willing obedience and by good behavior to their parents, both in their presence and in their absence.
Prov. 1:8. My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother.
Eph. 6:1. Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
64. Whom must we honor and obey besides our parents?
All those whom God has placed over us, such as guardians, employers, teachers, and the government.
65. Must we obey parents and superiors when they ask us to do what is sinful?
No; we ought to obey God rather than men. Acts 5:29.
66. What is the duty of parents toward their children?
They must love them, pray for them, bring them up in the fear of the Lord, and in everything seek their temporal and spiritual good.
Prov. 13:24. He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.
Eph. 6:4.
67. What is God's promise to those who honor father and mother?
It shall be well with them, and they shall live long on the earth.
68. Is this promise yet effective?
Yes; in this sense, that special blessings rest upon obedient children, and upon every nation honoring father and mother.
69. Has God given us also a land?
Yes; He has given us our native land, that we may love it and help it to prosper.
70. What does the fourth commandment forbid?
To despise and give offense to father and mother.
Prov. 17:25. A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.
71. What does he bring upon himself who transgresses this commandment?
Condemnation and punishment from God.
Deut. 27:16. Cursed be he that setteth light by his father or his mother.
THE FIFTH COMMANDMENT.
Thou shalt not kill.
That is,
We should fear and love God, and not hurt or harm our neighbor in his body, but help and befriend him in all bodily distress.
72. How is this commandment transgressed?
1. By taking our neighbor's life, or by doing him any bodily harm.
Gen. 9:6. Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.
2. By hatred, anger, abusive words, and all offensive behavior toward our neighbor.
1 John 3:15. Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.
Eph. 4:31. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice.
73. Can we kill also our neighbor's soul?
Yes; when we cause him to sin, either by purposely leading him astray, or by bad example, thus helping to destroy his soul.
Rom. 16:18. By good words and fair speeches they deceive the hearts of the simple.
Matt. 18:7. Woe to that man by whom the offense cometh.
74. May we take our own life?
No; God has given us life, and He alone has the right to take it.
75. What does God require of us in the fifth commandment?
That we help our neighbor in all bodily distress, and associate with him in love and gentleness.
Luke 10:33–35.
Eph. 4:32. And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
Matt. 25:35, 36. I was hungry, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in;
Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
THE SIXTH COMMANDMENT.
Thou shalt not commit adultery.
That is,
We should fear and love God, and live a chaste and pure life, in words and deeds, husband and wife loving and honoring each other.
76. How is this commandment transgressed?
1. When husband and wife are unfaithful to each other.
Heb. 13:4. [R. V.] Let marriage be had in honor among all.
2. By all impure thoughts, desires, words, and acts, in married as well as in unmarried persons.
Eph. 5:3. But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints.
77. Who has instituted marriage?
God Himself instituted it in Paradise.
Gen. 2:21–24, 1:27–28. Matt. 19:4–6.
78. How do unfaithful husbands and wives treat this holy institution?
They despise it, and thus bring down upon themselves the judgment of God.
Heb. 13:4. Whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.
79. Repeat some passages from Scripture in which impurity is forbidden?
Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 1 Cor. 6:9, 10.
Jesus says: I say unto you, that whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. Matt. 5:28.
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth! Eph. 4:29.
80. Why is this sin so fearful?
Because it affects both soul and body more than any other sin.
81. How can we be kept pure?
We must watch and pray, and avoid everything that awakens impure desires.
Matt. 26:41. Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation.
82. What things awaken impure desires?
Gluttony and drunkenness, immoral and exciting amusements, bad company, the reading of improper books, and everything that excites carnal and impure thoughts.
83. Are not gluttony and drunkenness alone dangerous sins?
Yes, indeed; they are a shameful abuse of God's gifts, by which we ruin soul and body and shut ourselves out from the kingdom of God.
Luk. 21:34. And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with gluttony, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.
84. What does God require of us in the sixth commandment?
We must live a chaste and pure life, whether we are married or unmarried, husband and wife loving and honoring each other.
THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT.
Thou shalt not steal.
That is,
We should fear and love God, and not take our neighbor's money or property, nor get it by unfair dealing or other dishonesty, but help him to improve and protect his property and living.
85. What is it to steal?
To steal is to take from our neighbor even the smallest part of his property against his will.
86. How is stealing done?
In a coarse or in an artful manner.
87. Who steal in a coarse manner?
Those who, without any right or permission whatever, take their neighbor's money or property.
Eph. 4:28. Let him that stole steal no more.
88. Who steal in an artful manner?
Those who take or withhold the property of others by any kind of fraud.
89. Is it wrong to be a partner with a thief?
Yes; the partner of a thief is no better than the thief.
Prov. 29:24. Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul.
90. What judgment does the Word of God pass upon thieves and robbers?
They shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
1 Cor. 6:10. Neither thieves nor extortioners shall inherit the kingdom of God.
91. May we not do with our property what we please?
No; we are but keepers of God's gifts, and we must once give an account of how we have used them.
Luke 16:2; Matt. 25:14–30.
92. What does God require of us in the seventh commandment?
We must be honest and unselfish in all our dealings, and help our neighbor to improve and protect his property and living.
1 John 3:17. [R. V.] But whoso hath the world's goods, and beholdeth his brother in need, and shutteth up his compassion from him, how doth the love of God abide in him?
James 2:13. For he shall have judgment without mercy that hath showed no mercy.
THE EIGHTH COMMANDMENT.
Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.
That is,
We should fear and love God, and not tell lies about our neighbor, nor betray, slander, or defame him; but excuse him, speak well of him, and look upon all his acts as well-meant.
93. What is "false witness"?
All untruthful speaking about our neighbor, in or out of court.
94. How does one bear false witness in court?
When a witness swears to a lie, and when a judge decides wrong to be right, and right to be wrong.
95. How do we bear false witness out of court?
When we tell lies about our neighbor and slander or defame him in our conversation.
Eph. 4:25. Wherefore, putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor.
96. Do we sin when we speak truthfully of our neighbor's faults?
Yes; when we do so with an unloving heart, either because we wish to hurt our neighbor, or thoughtlessly and in gossiping.
Matt. 12:36. Every idle word that man shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
97. What does God require of us in the eighth commandment?
We must always be truthful, excuse, and speak well of our neighbor, as far as truth permits, and look upon all his acts as well-meant.
1 Cor. 13:5–7. Love thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
THE NINTH COMMANDMENT.
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house.
That is,
We should fear and love God, and not by deceit or craft seek to gain our neighbor's inheritance or home, nor try to get it though we seem to have some right thereto, but help him to keep his own.
THE TENTH COMMANDMENT.
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his man-servant, nor his maid-servant, nor his cattle, nor anything that is his.
That is,
We should fear and love God, and not estrange, force, or entice away from our neighbor, his wife, servants, or cattle, but urge them to stay and do their duty.
98. What do the ninth and tenth commandments forbid?
All sinful desire to get what belongs to our neighbor.
99. What does God require of us in the ninth and tenth commandments?
We must heartily wish our neighbor all good, rejoice in his success, and help him to keep what he owns.
100. What, then, does God require of us in His holy Law?
Perfect purity and holiness in all our thoughts and desires, words and acts.
James 2:10. Whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
Matt 5:48. Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
101. What does God say of all his commandment?
I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; and showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.
That is,
God threatens to punish all who transgress these commandments; we should therefore fear His wrath, and do nothing against them.
On the other hand He promises grace and every blessing to all who keep these commandments; we should therefore love Him and trust in Him, and gladly do according to His commandments.
102. Of what does God remind us by these words?
He reminds us of the fact that He is a just God, who in His holy wrath punishes every sin.
103. What is sin?
Sin is any thought or feeling, word or act, which is contrary to God's holy Law.
104. What is meant by original sin?
Original sin is the inborn wickedness, deep corruption, and evil disposition, of the human heart.
Ps. 51:5. Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.
Rom. 5:12. By one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.
105. What is actual sin?
Actual sin is all evil thoughts and desires, words and acts, springing from original sin.
106. Is neglecting to do good as sinful as doing wrong?
Yes, indeed; to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
James 4:17.
107. Do the children of God always live according to the will of their heavenly Father?
They hate sin, and heartily strive to keep the law of God; but it is their experience that they sin every day, and that the new life within them is weak.
Ps. 19:12. Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults?
Rom. 7:19. The good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
108. How do the children of God feel and act when they find that they have sinned?
They are deeply grieved, they ask their heavenly Father to forgive them, and earnestly strive to put off sin.
109. What do the children of the world think of sin?
They love sin, and do not ask to be forgiven.
110. How does God threaten those who transgress His commandments?
He will visit, that is, punish, their wickedness.
111. How does God punish sin?
In soul and body; now and forever.
Gal. 3:10. Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.
112. What does God promise all who keep His commandments?
He will have mercy upon them in a thousand generations.
113. What is here understood by mercy?
Every blessing for soul and body, now and forever.
1 Tim. 4:8. Godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.
114. What way of salvation does the Law then point out to us?
It says, Keep the commandments and you shall be saved.
Luke 10:28. This do, and thou shalt live.
115. Can any man, then, keep God's commandments so perfectly that he thereby is justified and saved?
No; every man is a sinner, and he lacks that perfect love which is the fulfillment of the law.
Rom. 10:3. For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.
116. But does the Word of God point out a way to us in which a sinner may be justified and saved?
Yes; in the blessed Gospel.
Rom. 1:16. I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.
117. What parts of the catechism treat about the gospel?
The four last parts.